04-26-2015, 03:12 PM
Aloha mai kakou,
After a brief absence to try and gather my thoughts on this issue, my written testimony to the State (BLNR/DLNR, etc.), University of Hawaii (BOR), Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), is in support of the TMT, with conditions.
I spent the entire day (Well, from 10am through 4:30pm) at the UH to attend the Board of Regents special meeting. The knowledge gained from many who were there, not only in testimony, but outside while waiting for a seat (us old folks are not going to stand! Please.), was invaluable.
From the scientists to the kupuna, to the students, it was enlighting. My son and daughter, and several nephews and nieces testified respectfully, and I stand proud of our young people. They are quite educated, and not what some believe are "working the system". Aole. Well spoken, with degrees, our keiki made me very proud today. Just my observation.
As to the TMT, promises already made must be kept, and as we move forward, the laws of this land will prevail. The question being: Which law(s)? The current lease for TMT and other telescopes provides for certain criteria which will preserve "conservation land" specifically, which Mauna Kea falls under. As to "Kingdom law", well, not my forte, however if applied, would invalidate the leases currently held by not only the telescopes, but Pohakuloa, and other military holdings.
We can argue, "whose land?", "what land?", etc. At the end of the day, we (my ohana) hope to find balance. Decommissioning is part of the conditions, which must result in leaving the land as it was found upon development (provided as a condition in the leases), etc. Basics.
I maintain, this somewhat "revolution" is not about TMT; our Mauna a Wakea/Mauna Kea, is providing a platform for resolution to an age old debate. As we argue the specific points of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom/Government, the facts remain the same. Reparation is due to the Hawaiian people. No question. How we resolve our differences and make things right, is up to many, many others, who are not part of Punaweb (well, maybe a few are, I hope).
Apologies for the perhaps, O/T, however, my support of TMT warrants explanation. It does not allow for continued "desecration" which includes not conforming to terms of existing contracts. Promises made must be kept. Period.
May Akua/God (or whomever you pray to) guide us in this process. This may be history in the making. What part we all play will be interesting.
Aloha to all. (Tink, mahalo for your kind words on that other thread I won't dissertate on no more.)
Next week when we go to Mauna Kea, it will not be to the sacred area. None of us were ever allowed to go. Only the chosen ones. Our kuleana is Puna, being of the Pele lineage. (Go ahead and scoff at our "imaginary friend" (Tutu Pele), or the "rocks and dirt", however, we know our kuleana). The purpose for my travels is to insure my ohana behaves in a respectful manner, at all times. They do, and they will.
JMO.
P.S. Oh, and I will be posting my monthly Civil Defense siren test post in a few days. All y'all who are so bloody abrasive are not going to keep me from my Punaweb ohana. So there. [
] Oh, and (waving) Mr. Tom, I look forward to your tour of your facility and it would be an honor to bring my mo'opuna (three (3)) with me, if allowed. Mahalo, Sir.
ETA: Typo. E kala mai. Looking for glasses...again.
After a brief absence to try and gather my thoughts on this issue, my written testimony to the State (BLNR/DLNR, etc.), University of Hawaii (BOR), Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), is in support of the TMT, with conditions.
I spent the entire day (Well, from 10am through 4:30pm) at the UH to attend the Board of Regents special meeting. The knowledge gained from many who were there, not only in testimony, but outside while waiting for a seat (us old folks are not going to stand! Please.), was invaluable.
From the scientists to the kupuna, to the students, it was enlighting. My son and daughter, and several nephews and nieces testified respectfully, and I stand proud of our young people. They are quite educated, and not what some believe are "working the system". Aole. Well spoken, with degrees, our keiki made me very proud today. Just my observation.
As to the TMT, promises already made must be kept, and as we move forward, the laws of this land will prevail. The question being: Which law(s)? The current lease for TMT and other telescopes provides for certain criteria which will preserve "conservation land" specifically, which Mauna Kea falls under. As to "Kingdom law", well, not my forte, however if applied, would invalidate the leases currently held by not only the telescopes, but Pohakuloa, and other military holdings.
We can argue, "whose land?", "what land?", etc. At the end of the day, we (my ohana) hope to find balance. Decommissioning is part of the conditions, which must result in leaving the land as it was found upon development (provided as a condition in the leases), etc. Basics.
I maintain, this somewhat "revolution" is not about TMT; our Mauna a Wakea/Mauna Kea, is providing a platform for resolution to an age old debate. As we argue the specific points of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom/Government, the facts remain the same. Reparation is due to the Hawaiian people. No question. How we resolve our differences and make things right, is up to many, many others, who are not part of Punaweb (well, maybe a few are, I hope).
Apologies for the perhaps, O/T, however, my support of TMT warrants explanation. It does not allow for continued "desecration" which includes not conforming to terms of existing contracts. Promises made must be kept. Period.
May Akua/God (or whomever you pray to) guide us in this process. This may be history in the making. What part we all play will be interesting.
Aloha to all. (Tink, mahalo for your kind words on that other thread I won't dissertate on no more.)
Next week when we go to Mauna Kea, it will not be to the sacred area. None of us were ever allowed to go. Only the chosen ones. Our kuleana is Puna, being of the Pele lineage. (Go ahead and scoff at our "imaginary friend" (Tutu Pele), or the "rocks and dirt", however, we know our kuleana). The purpose for my travels is to insure my ohana behaves in a respectful manner, at all times. They do, and they will.
JMO.
P.S. Oh, and I will be posting my monthly Civil Defense siren test post in a few days. All y'all who are so bloody abrasive are not going to keep me from my Punaweb ohana. So there. [
] Oh, and (waving) Mr. Tom, I look forward to your tour of your facility and it would be an honor to bring my mo'opuna (three (3)) with me, if allowed. Mahalo, Sir.ETA: Typo. E kala mai. Looking for glasses...again.